Speaker last Friday evening was Pauline Allen, a member of the club and presently the vice-chairman. Her talk was centred around her life in Tenby and her love of music inherited from a beloved grandfather.
In the words of Dylan Thomas, 'To begin at the beginning', Pauline said that she was born in White Lion Street, above 'The Jazz', and was given the name Melody as her middle name. That and her musical grandfather made it inevitable that music was to become the centre of her life.
Members learnt a little of her family history and her connections with Penally, and later with the De Valence Pavilion in the days when such people as Sybil Thorndike and Lewis Casson appeared there and where Dwight Eisenhauer spoke.
As a child, Pauline was involved in all kinds of musical activity with members of her family, with the Guides and with The Mustard Club run by her grandfather.
After the war when the Arts Club was formed, Pauline took part in the one-act plays produced at the Little Theatre.
Pauline became a teacher, first in Tenby and then in Pembroke Dock, where she met her husband Bernard. Through him she became involved with the Sea Scouts and became a Cub leader.
Through these activities, the Gang Shows were born, instigated by Pauline and supported by many members of her family. They became a huge success, so much so that in 1971 the BBC resolved to film one of the shows at the De Valence Pavilion. Kenneth Griffith, a Tenby man himself, was the commentator to great effect.
The audience at Church House were captivated by the film, recognising relatives and friends taking part.
It was an enjoyable trip down memory lane and a great tribute to the hard work and dedication of a very talented lady.
After warm appreciative applause from a delighted audience, the chairman, Doreen Hammersley, thanked Pauline for a lovely evening.
This (Friday) evening, the Welsh Brass Trio will perform at 8 pm in Church House. The event is supported by the Arts Council of Wales and Pembrokeshire County Council. Admission will be £5, with £4 concessions. Non-members are very welcome.